As human beings, we have always been intrigued by mystery and the unknown, and few things embody these qualities better than tarot and astrology. Both offer a glimpse into the depths of our subconscious and the mysteries of the universe. The Major Arcana, the 22 cards at the heart of the tarot deck, hold a special place in the world of divination. However, have you ever wondered how they relate to astrology? This connection can be complex and multifaceted, which may leave you feeling a bit perplexed. In this article, we will explore the links between the Major Arcana and the astrological wheel in a step-by-step manner. By understanding these connections, you can deepen your understanding of both tarot and astrology, and gain a richer insight into your life’s journey.
The Major Arcana and Astrology
Many of us turn to astrology for guidance in our lives, drawing on the wisdom and insight of the stars to better understand ourselves and the world around us. However, there are many other tools we can use to gain a deeper insight into our lives and the world, including the Tarot. Through the images and symbolism of the 78 cards in the Tarot deck, we can gain insight into our past, present, and future. In this section, we will explore the fascinating connections between the Major Arcana cards and astrology. We will examine how each card relates to specific astrological signs and planets, and how these associations can enhance our understanding of both the Tarot and astrology.
Linking the Major Arcana to Astrology
The Major Arcana is closely linked to astrology, and each card has a specific astrological association. This connection is important in understanding the deeper meanings of the cards and how they relate to our lives. These associations can be linked through a table below:
Tarot Card
Astrological Association
The Fool
Uranus
The Magician
Mercury
The High Priestess
The Moon
The Empress
Venus
The Emperor
Aries
The Hierophant
Taurus
The Lovers
Gemini
The Chariot
Cancer
Strength
Leo
The Hermit
Virgo
Wheel of Fortune
Jupiter
Justice
Libra
The Hanged Man
Neptune
Death
Scorpio
Temperance
Sagittarius
The Devil
Capricorn
The Tower
Mars
The Star
Aquarius
The Moon
Pisces
The Sun
Sun
Judgement
Pluto
The World
Saturn
It’s important to note that while some cards are directly associated with a planet or zodiac sign, others are associated with a broader astrological concept or archetype. For example, the Empress is associated with Venus, but also represents fertility, creativity, and abundance.
Understanding these astrological associations can provide deeper insights into the meanings of each card and how they relate to our lives. Astrology and tarot are closely intertwined, and many believe that a tarot reading can provide guidance and insight into astrological influences in our lives. To learn more about the link between tarot and astrology, check out our article on Tarot and Astrology.
Understanding the Astrological Associations of the Major Arcana
Understanding the astrological associations of the Major Arcana is essential to unlocking the deeper symbolism behind each card. Each card in the Major Arcana is associated with a planet, zodiac sign, or element, and understanding these associations can provide insight into the meaning and interpretation of each card.
The Fool card is associated with the planet Uranus, which represents spontaneity and eccentricity, and the zodiac sign of Aquarius, which represents individuality and rebellion. This association highlights the Fool’s journey of self-discovery and unconventional path in life.
The Magician card is associated with the planet Mercury, which represents communication and intellect, and the zodiac sign of Gemini, which represents duality and versatility. These associations reflect the Magician’s mastery of communication and his ability to manipulate the elements to create his own reality.
The High Priestess card is associated with the Moon, which represents intuition and emotions, and the zodiac sign of Pisces, which represents spirituality and illusion. This association reflects the High Priestess’s connection with the subconscious and her ability to access higher realms of consciousness.
The Empress card is associated with the planet Venus, which represents love and beauty, and the zodiac sign of Taurus, which represents sensuality and material abundance. These associations reflect the Empress’s nurturing and creative energy, as well as her connection to nature and the physical world.
The Emperor card is associated with the planet Mars, which represents action and aggression, and the zodiac sign of Aries, which represents leadership and assertiveness. These associations reflect the Emperor’s strength and authority, as well as his ability to take decisive action.
The Hierophant card is associated with the zodiac sign of Taurus, which represents tradition and stability, and the planet Jupiter, which represents wisdom and spirituality. These associations reflect the Hierophant’s role as a spiritual teacher and guide, as well as his connection to established systems of belief.
The Lovers card is associated with the planet Venus, which represents love and partnership, and the zodiac sign of Gemini, which represents communication and duality. These associations reflect the Lovers’ connection through communication and their ability to make choices based on their values and priorities.
The Chariot card is associated with the zodiac sign of Cancer, which represents emotional strength and intuition, and the planet Mercury, which represents communication and intellect. These associations reflect the Chariot’s ability to balance the emotional and intellectual aspects of the self to achieve victory.
The Strength card is associated with the zodiac sign of Leo, which represents courage and strength of will, and the planet Mars, which represents action and determination. These associations reflect the Strength card’s message of inner strength and resilience in the face of challenges.
The Hermit card is associated with the zodiac sign of Virgo, which represents introspection and analysis, and the planet Mercury, which represents communication and critical thinking. These associations reflect the Hermit’s message of self-reflection and inner wisdom, as well as his connection to the natural world.
The Wheel of Fortune card is associated with the planet Jupiter, which represents growth and abundance, and the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, which represents optimism and exploration. These associations reflect the Wheel of Fortune’s message of change and cycles in life, as well as the importance of taking risks and embracing new opportunities.
The Justice card is associated with the zodiac sign of Libra, which represents balance and harmony, and the planet Venus, which represents love and fairness. These associations reflect the Justice card’s message of fairness and impartiality, as well as the importance of decision-making based on reason and logic.
The Hanged Man card is associated with the zodiac sign of Pisces, which represents spirituality and introspection, and the planet Neptune, which represents illusion and dreams. These associations reflect the Hanged Man’s message of surrender and letting go, as well as the importance of looking at situations from a different perspective.
The Death card is associated with the zodiac sign of Scorpio, which represents transformation and rebirth, and the planet Pluto, which represents power and regeneration. These associations reflect the Death card’s message of transformation and the shedding of old habits and beliefs.
The Temperance card is associated with the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, which represents optimism and exploration, and the planet Jupiter, which represents growth and abundance. These associations reflect the Temperance card’s message of balance and moderation, as well as the importance of being open to new experiences.
Understanding the astrological associations of the Major Arcana can provide a deeper level of insight into these cards and their meanings. Cross-checking with your birth chart can further enhance this understanding and provide personalized guidance for your tarot readings. Check out tarot cards and their planetary associations or explore tarot and astrology for relationship guidance for more information on the connection between tarot and astrology.
Cross-Checking with Your Birth Chart
It’s important to cross-check the Major Arcana cards that correspond with your zodiac sign and birth chart to gain deeper insights into their meanings. By doing this, you can gain a clearer understanding of how the astrological energies manifest in your life and how the Major Arcana influences your life’s journey.
To cross-check your birth chart, you will need to look at the planetary positions and zodiac signs at the time of your birth. If you are unfamiliar with reading birth charts, there are online resources available or you can consult with an astrologer.
Once you have your birth chart, you can compare the zodiac signs and planetary positions to the corresponding Major Arcana cards. For example, if your sun sign is Leo, you can connect it to the Strength card, which represents courage, willpower, and determination – all attributes commonly associated with Leo.
Additionally, you can look at the planetary positions in your birth chart to gain a deeper understanding of how the Major Arcana influences your life. For instance, if you have a strong placement in Jupiter, the planet of expansion and higher learning, you might find that you resonate strongly with the Wheel of Fortune card, which represents fate, cycles, and destiny.
Cross-checking your birth chart with the Major Arcana adds a deeper layer of understanding to your tarot readings and helps connect the astrological energies in your life. Not only can it help you gain a better grasp of the tarot cards’ meanings, but it can also give you more insights into your potential and purpose in this lifetime.
To deepen your knowledge about tarot and astrology connection, check out this comprehensive guide on the relationship between tarot and astrology. You can also explore how the four elements from astrology correspond to the tarot suits in this article.
Exploring the Major Arcana through the Astrological Wheel
As we dive deeper into the link between the Major Arcana and astrology, we can explore how the cards align with the astrological wheel. This exploration takes us on a journey through the zodiac, examining the unique traits and characteristics of each sign and how they are reflected in the corresponding group of cards. Through this astrological lens, we can gain a deeper understanding of the symbolism and meaning behind the Major Arcana cards and how they relate to our personal experiences. So, let’s embark on this journey through the astrological wheel and uncover the wisdom of the tarot.
The Fool’s Journey is a metaphysical concept in tarot that represents the archetype of the seeker on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. It begins with the Fool card, numbered zero, which often symbolizes a new beginning or a fresh start. The Fool represents the individual on the verge of embarking on their journey- a state of innocence, curiosity, and naivety.
The Magician:
The Magician card represents action, initiative, and manifestation. It is associated with the planet Mercury and has a strong focus on communication, creativity, and self-expression.
The High Priestess:
The High Priestess card represents intuition, psychic insight, and hidden knowledge. It is associated with the Moon and reflects a deep understanding of the subconscious mind.
The Empress:
The Empress card represents femininity, nurturing, and creativity. It is associated with Venus and reflects the archetype of the mother or nurturer.
The Emperor:
The Emperor card represents masculine energy, structure, and authority. It is associated with Aries and reflects a sense of order, logic, and power.
The Hierophant:
The Hierophant card represents tradition, conformity, and religion. It is associated with Taurus and reflects a sense of stability, conformity, and social order.
The Lovers:
The Lovers card represents love, relationships, and choices. It is associated with Gemini and reflects the archetype of partnership and duality.
The Chariot:
The Chariot card represents willpower, determination, and focus. It is associated with Cancer and reflects a sense of emotional strength and the ability to move forward.
Strength:
The Strength card represents inner strength, courage, and resilience. It is associated with Leo and reflects the ability to overcome obstacles and challenges.
The Hermit:
The Hermit card represents solitude, contemplation, and wisdom. It is associated with Virgo and reflects a sense of introspection and inner wisdom.
The Wheel of Fortune:
The Wheel of Fortune card represents cycles of change, destiny, and fate. It is associated with Jupiter and reflects the ups and downs of life’s journey.
Justice:
The Justice card represents fairness, balance, and equality. It is associated with Libra and reflects a sense of justice, harmony, and ethical decision-making.
The Hanged Man:
The Hanged Man card represents surrender, letting go, and sacrifice. It is associated with Neptune and reflects a sense of spiritual enlightenment and acceptance.
Death:
The Death card represents transformation, change, and rebirth. It is associated with Scorpio and reflects a sense of letting go of the old and making way for the new.
Temperance:
The Temperance card represents balance, harmony, and moderation. It is associated with Sagittarius and reflects a sense of tempering extremes and finding a middle ground.
The Devil:
The Devil card represents temptation, addiction, and materialism. It is associated with Capricorn and reflects the darker aspects of human nature.
The Tower:
The Tower card represents sudden change, upheaval, and chaos. It is associated with Mars and reflects a sense of destruction and rebuilding.
The Star:
The Star card represents hope, inspiration, and renewal. It is associated with Aquarius and reflects a sense of healing and rejuvenation.
The Moon:
The Moon card represents the subconscious, intuition, and mystery. It is associated with Pisces and reflects a sense of inner knowing and hidden depth.
The Sun:
The Sun card represents vitality, energy, and success. It is associated with the Sun and reflects a sense of optimism and positivity.
Judgement:
The Judgement card represents rebirth, awakening, and accountability. It is associated with Pluto and reflects a sense of inner catharsis and transformation.
The World:
The World card represents completion, integration, and wholeness. It is associated with Saturn and reflects a sense of fulfilling a cycle or achieving a goal.
As the Fool progresses through the Major Arcana, they encounter various archetypes and challenges, representing different aspects of their journey towards self-realization. The Fool’s Journey offers a symbolic representation of the transformative power of the tarot and the personal growth that can come from embracing its wisdom.
The Aries Group
The Aries Group consists of four cards, namely The Emperor, The Empress, The Chariot, and The Star. This group is associated with the astrological sign of Aries, a fire sign that embodies traits like leadership, passion, and competitiveness.
The Emperor is the first card in the Aries group and is associated with the planet Mars. The card represents power, authority, and discipline. The Emperor is a ruler figure who embodies the Aries trait of being a leader. He is confident, assertive, and strives to maintain order and control in his life.
Next in line is The Empress, associated with the planet Venus. This card embodies the Aries trait of passion and creativity. The Empress represents nurturing, fertility, and the abundance of life. She is a maternal figure who brings to life new ideas with her creative energy.
The Chariot represents the victory and conquest associated with Aries. Mars, the ruling planet of Aries, is associated with warfare, and The Chariot embodies the warrior spirit. The card is also linked with the element of Water, representing the emotional power needed to win battles.
Lastly, The Star represents hope and inspiration. The card is associated with the Aquarian Age, the era of enlightenment and individuality. The card is linked to the planet Uranus, which governs innovation, progress, and change.
The Aries Group of the Major Arcana represents the fire and passion associated with the Aries astrological sign. Each card embodies traits and values that are essential in the lives of individuals born under this sign. Together, these cards tell a story of leadership, creativity, victory, and inspiration.
The Taurus Group
The Taurus Group consists of the cards that are associated with the zodiac sign of Taurus, which is ruled by Venus. These cards are The Hierophant, The Lovers, and The Emperor.
The Hierophant, also known as The High Priest, represents tradition, religion, and spirituality. This card has a strong connection to Taurus’ love of routine and stability. The Hierophant’s teachings and guidance provide a sense of security and structure in uncertain times. As Taurus is an earth sign, this card also represents the physical manifestation of divine guidance.
The Lovers card represents choice, harmony, and unity. As Taurus is a sign that values relationships, this card’s focus on love and partnership resonates strongly with the sign. The Lovers also represent a choice that must be made, and Taurus, being a sign that takes time to deliberate, can appreciate the importance of making the right decision.
The Emperor represents authority and structure. Taurus is known for its practical, diligent nature and The Emperor’s focus on organization and rules aligns with this energy. This card represents the importance of taking control of one’s life and establishing order, just as Taurus must feel a sense of control in their environment.
The Taurus Group represents the values and traits of the zodiac sign of Taurus – a love of routine, stability, practicality, and relationships. These cards encourage the seeker to reflect on their values and foundations in order to make grounded decisions and establish structure in their lives.
The Gemini Group
The Gemini Group in the Major Arcana consists of three cards that are associated with the zodiac sign of Gemini. Those cards are The Lovers, The Chariot, and The Lovers. Gemini is an air sign, which is known for its intellect, wit, and duality. As such, these three cards of the Major Arcana symbolize a few different themes related to this sign.
The Lovers card represents the duality and choices that Gemini is known for. This card often depicts two figures, often a man and a woman, standing under a bright sun with an angel hovering above them. The man looks to the woman, and the woman looks at the angel. This card may represent the choice between two paths, two people, or two options in life. It can also represent unity and joining together of two things, such as two people in love.
The Chariot signifies the desire for control and the need to keep moving forward. This card often shows a person riding a chariot pulled by two horses, one black and one white. The black horse represents the more primal, instinctual nature, while the white horse represents reason and discipline. The person driving the chariot must keep these two forces in balance and aligned in order to make progress on their journey. This can be interpreted as a representation of the duality within oneself that Gemini is known for, and the importance of balance and control in achieving one’s goals.
The Lovers card is associated with the planet Mercury, which rules over Gemini. Mercury represents communication, intelligence, and quick thinking. The Chariot card is associated with the Moon, which in astrology governs emotion, intuition, and the subconscious mind. The Lovers card may represent a rational or conscious decision, while the Chariot may represent a more intuitive or emotional choice.
The Gemini Group of the Major Arcana explores themes of duality, choices, control, balance, and communication. These cards remind us of the importance of finding balance and harmony within ourselves, and of the power of choice in shaping our lives.
The Cancer Group
The Cancer Group, consisting of cards VII, XV, and XVIII in the Major Arcana, is associated with the astrological sign of Cancer, which is ruled by the Moon. This group represents emotions, intuition, and the nurturing qualities of the feminine. These cards are deeply connected to the concept of home and family, as well as the idea of taking care of oneself and others.
Card VII: The Chariot
In the traditional Rider-Waite deck, the image on the Chariot card depicts a victorious warrior in a chariot, pulled by two sphinxes. This card represents forward movement, triumph, and the harnessing of one’s willpower to achieve success. The astrological association with this card is the sign of Cancer, which represents the emotions and intuition that are required to take charge of one’s life in a meaningful way.
Card XV: The Moon
The Moon card is associated with the astrological sign of Pisces, but it is also closely linked to the Cancer Group due to its representation of lunar energy and the mysterious realm of dreams and the subconscious. The image on this card often depicts a moon with a face, surrounded by symbols of the night, such as stars and nocturnal animals. This card represents the power of the unconscious mind and the importance of intuition and introspection in one’s spiritual journey.
Card XVIII: The Moon
The final card in the Cancer Group is the Moon, which is associated with the astrological sign of Cancer itself. This card represents the feminine energy of the Moon and its associations with emotion and intuition. The image on this card often depicts a crab, representing the nurturing qualities of the sign of Cancer. This card represents the importance of trusting one’s intuition and the power of the unknown in the spiritual journey.
To summarize, the Cancer Group of the Major Arcana represents emotions, intuition, and feminine energy, as well as the importance of home and family. The Chariot represents forward movement and harnessing one’s willpower, while the two Moon cards represent the mysterious realm of the subconscious and the power of the unknown.
The Leo Group
The Leo Group consists of Strength and the Sun. Both of them present the energy and power of the Leo zodiac sign.
Strength represents the inner strength that one has to overcome obstacles in life. This card is associated with the zodiac sign Leo due to its themes of power, courage, and bravery that are common for Leos. In astrology, Leo is associated with the fifth house which represents and governs matters of creativity, expression, and children. The Strength card also has elements of these qualities, teaching us how to use our personal power and creative energy to overcome challenges.
On the other hand, The Sun is probably the most popular card in the Tarot deck. Just as the sun is the center of our solar system, the Sun card symbolizes the center of attention, success and vitality. In astrology, the Sun is associated with our identity, ego, and vitality, and governs our sense of self and purpose. Similarly, this card signifies self-discovery, accomplishment and personal growth. It also reflects the positive and confident energy of the Leo zodiac sign.
Symbolically, the Leo Group reflects the power and energy of the Sun, as well as the inner strength of a lion who faces challenges boldly. Leos are known for their exuberant energy, sense of humor, and self-confidence which is all reflected in these cards. The Leo Group of Major Arcana provides insight into harnessing inner talents and channelizing them productively to gain the admiration and recognition of the world.
To summarize, The Leo Group of Major Arcana cards- Strength and The Sun signify the valuable traits and characteristics of the Leo zodiac sign. By exploring these cards, we can learn to overcome challenges and failures while staying true to our identity and pursuing our goals with passion and confidence.
The Leo Group
Astrological Associations
Symbolism
Strength
Leo and the fifth house
Inner strength, power, courage, and creativity
The Sun
Leo and the Sun
Identity, ego, purpose, vitality, self-discovery, accomplishment, and personal growth
The Virgo Group
The Virgo Group of the Major Arcana is associated with the astrological sign of Virgo, which is ruled by the planet Mercury. Virgo is known for being analytical, practical, and detail-oriented, and these qualities are reflected in the cards in this group.
The Hermit: The Hermit represents introspection and solitude, which is highly associated with the Virgo sign. This card suggests taking the time to reflect on one’s own thoughts and ideals before making any big decisions.
The Wheel of Fortune: The Wheel of Fortune is a card of constant change, which can represent the mutable nature of the Virgo sign. This card urges one to go with the flow and embrace opportunities as they come.
Justice: Justice represents balance and harmony, which is important to Virgo’s desire for order and structure. It encourages one to weigh the pros and cons of a situation carefully before making any judgments or decisions.
The Hanged Man: The Hanged Man represents sacrifice and letting go, which is associated with Virgo’s willingness to put in the work necessary to achieve their desired outcome.
Death: Though often misunderstood, the Death card represents transformation and new beginnings, which can be seen in the practical mindset of Virgo. This card urges one to let go of old habits and embrace new opportunities.
The Virgo Group of the Major Arcana encourages one to take a practical and analytical approach to life, while also recognizing the need for introspection and personal growth.
The Libra Group
The Libra Group in the Major Arcana is associated with the astrological sign of Libra, which is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty. This group represents matters of balance and justice, as well as relationships and partnerships. Here are the cards that make up the Libra Group:
Justice: This card represents the concept of karma and the balance of cause and effect. It speaks to fairness and impartiality, as well as the consequences of our actions.
The Hanged Man: This card often represents sacrifice and waiting. It can also indicate a need to step back and view a situation from a different perspective in order to gain clarity and insight.
Death: Despite its ominous name, this card often represents transformation and rebirth. It can indicate the end of one phase and the beginning of a new one.
Temperance: This card represents balance, harmony, and moderation. It is often associated with the concept of mixing opposites to create something new and better.
Wheel of Fortune: This card represents the cyclical nature of life and the ups and downs we all experience. It can indicate change and the unpredictability of fate.
While the Libra Group may seem like a mix of seemingly opposing themes, they all tie together under the umbrella of balance and harmonious relationships. This group serves as a reminder to consider the consequences of our actions and strive for fairness and equilibrium in all areas of our lives.
The Scorpio Group
The Scorpio Group in the Major Arcana consists of three cards: Death, The Devil, and The Tower. These cards are associated with the zodiac sign Scorpio, known for its intensity and transformative energy.
Death, the first card in this group, can be unsettling to some, but it is a necessary part of the cycle of life. This card represents transformation, change, and the end of a cycle. In a birth chart, Scorpio is often associated with transformation and a deep understanding of the mysteries of life and death. Like the sign it represents, Death is all about letting go of the old to make way for the new.
The Devil is a card of temptation and control, and is often represented as a goat-headed figure with wings. In astrology, Scorpio can represent our deepest desires and the areas of our lives over which we may feel powerless. The Devil can also represent our own inner demons and the need to confront them in order to move forward.
Finally, The Tower is a card of sudden upheaval and destruction, representing the need to tear down old structures in order to build something new. The Scorpio energy in this card is all about confronting the deepest parts of ourselves and facing our fears head-on. In a birth chart, Scorpio is linked to transformation and the power that comes from facing our own shadows.
The Scorpio Group of the Major Arcana is a powerful and transformative set of cards that ask us to confront our deepest desires and fears in order to transform and emerge stronger on the other side.
The Sagittarius Group
Moving clockwise from the Scorpio Group in the Astrological Wheel, we come to the Sagittarius Group of the Major Arcana. This group is associated with the fire sign of Sagittarius, which is known for its adventurous and free-spirited qualities. The Sagittarius Group includes cards number 14 through 16: Temperance, the Devil, and the Tower.
Each of these cards has a unique astrological association that can provide further insight into its meaning and interpretation. For example, Temperance is associated with the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, as well as the planet Jupiter, which rules Sagittarius. This card represents balance, harmony, and moderation – qualities that align with the expansive and optimistic nature of Sagittarius.
On the other hand, the Devil card is associated with the zodiac sign of Capricorn, which is ruled by the planet Saturn. However, Capricorn is also an earth sign like Taurus and Virgo, which are part of the Taurus and Virgo Groups of the Major Arcana. This suggests a connection between the themes of materialism, structure, and discipline that are prominent in Capricorn and these other earth signs. The Devil card itself often represents temptation, addiction, and bondage – all of which can be seen as the dark side of materialism and excess.
Finally, we have the Tower card, which is associated with the planet Mars and the astrological sign of Aries. Mars is known for its high-energy and assertive qualities, which are also reflected in the impulsive and unpredictable nature of the Tower card. This card often represents sudden upheaval, chaos, and destruction – themes that can be associated with Aries as well.
The Sagittarius Group of the Major Arcana provides a diverse range of archetypes that can help us understand the complexities of human experience. By exploring these cards in relation to their astrological counterparts, we can deepen our understanding of the symbolism and meaning behind them.
Card
Astrological Association
Meaning
Temperance
Sagittarius (Jupiter)
Balance, harmony, moderation
The Devil
Capricorn (Saturn)
Temptation, addiction, bondage
The Tower
Aries (Mars)
Sudden upheaval, chaos, destruction
The Capricorn Group
As we move into the Capricorn group, we enter the realm of structure, responsibility, and hard work. This group includes The Devil, The Tower, and The Star. Each of these cards has strong ties to the earth element and the ambitious and determined nature of Capricorn.
First, we have The Devil, which showcases the darker aspect of Capricorn’s pursuit of success and power. This card represents temptation, bondage, and materialism. The Devil’s influence can indicate an intense desire for material success that may lead to a loss of ethical boundaries or a feeling of being trapped in a situation.
Next, we move on to The Tower, which symbolizes the inevitable destruction of something that was built on unstable foundations. This card is often associated with sudden upheaval, unpleasant surprises, and a need to rebuild from the bottom up. The Tower’s association with Capricorn reminds us of the importance of laying a solid foundation and not cutting corners.
Finally, we come to The Star, which represents hope, inspiration, and renewal. This card symbolizes a time of healing, positive transformation, and spiritual growth after a period of difficulty. The Star’s link to Capricorn highlights the perseverance and determination required to make meaningful and lasting changes in our lives.
The Capricorn group highlights the importance of hard work, structure, and ethics when pursuing success and achievement. These cards remind us to stay grounded and focused on our goals while remaining open to the unexpected twists and turns that life may throw our way.
The Aquarius Group
The Aquarius Group of the Major Arcana in tarot is closely associated with the astrological sign of Aquarius, which is an air sign known for its progressive and humanitarian qualities. The cards in this group are characterized by their emphasis on intellectual pursuits, unconventional thinking and a desire for social change.
The Star: This card is associated with the zodiac sign of Aquarius and represents hope, inspiration, and renewed energy. The Star encourages the seeker to look forward with optimism and to trust in the universe to provide guidance and support.
The Tower: Often seen as a “scary” card, The Tower represents disruptive change, upheaval, and chaos. It’s associated with the planet Mars, which is known for its explosive energy. When this card appears in a reading, it can indicate a sudden and dramatic shift in the querent’s life that will force them to confront their fears and break through old patterns of behavior and thought.
The Moon: Although this card is traditionally associated with the sign of Cancer, it is also linked with the sign of Aquarius due to its association with intuition and emotional depth. The Moon represents the unconscious mind and encourages us to explore the hidden depths of our psyches to find greater spiritual understanding and inner wisdom.
The Sun: This card represents illumination, warmth, and positivity. It encourages the seeker to tap into their inner vitality and creativity, and to be open to new experiences and connections. The Sun can also represent success and achievement, and is often associated with the ego and self-confidence.
The World: Representing completion and fulfillment, the World card is associated with the planet Saturn and encourages the seeker to trust the journey of life and to embrace its ups and downs. This card symbolizes mastery, wholeness, and integration, and is often interpreted as a sign of achievement and accomplishment.
The Aquarius Group of the Major Arcana is a powerful and thought-provoking set of cards that encourages seekers to explore their intellectual and spiritual sides in the pursuit of personal growth and change.
The Pisces Group
The final group of the Astrological Wheel is associated with the sign of Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac. This group includes the final three cards of the Major Arcana: The Hanged Man, Death, and The Devil.
The Hanged Man: The Hanged Man represents surrender and sacrifice, letting go of control and allowing a higher power to guide us. The astrological association of this card is Neptune, the planet of illusion and spiritual awakening.
Death: The Death card is often misinterpreted as representing physical death when in fact it symbolizes the end of a cycle and transformation. The astrological association of Death is Pluto, the planet of regeneration and rebirth.
The Devil: The final card of the Major Arcana is The Devil, representing restriction and addiction. The astrological association of this card is Capricorn, the sign of structure and boundaries.
As with the other groups, there are certain themes and lessons to be learned from this trio of cards. The Hanged Man encourages us to let go of ego and trust in a higher power, Death reminds us that change is inevitable and necessary for growth, and The Devil warns of the dangers of giving in to temptation and staying within self-imposed limitations.
Exploring the Major Arcana through the Astrological Wheel can deepen our understanding of both astrology and tarot, showing us how the two systems are intertwined and providing us with new insights for personal growth and introspection.
Card
Astrological Association
Meaning
The Hanged Man
Neptune
Surrender and sacrifice, letting go of control
Death
Pluto
The end of a cycle and transformation
The Devil
Capricorn
Restriction and addiction
Conclusion
After exploring the Major Arcana through the Astrological Wheel, we can see how intricately linked these two fields are. Astrology provides us with a deeper understanding of the symbols and meanings behind the Major Arcana cards. By cross-checking with our own birth charts, we can relate more closely to the archetypes represented in the cards.
Through the Fool’s Journey, we have seen how the cards tell a story of growth and transformation. Each group of zodiac signs represented in the Major Arcana has its own unique lessons and challenges that are essential to our personal growth.
By studying the Major Arcana through the lens of astrology, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the wisdom and insight that these ancient symbols offer. Whether we seek to use the tarot for divination or personal growth, a deeper understanding of the astrological associations of the Major Arcana can only enhance our experiences with the cards.
In conclusion, the Major Arcana and astrology are intertwined in a complex web of symbolism and meaning. By exploring this connection more deeply, we can unlock new insights and perspectives on ourselves and the world around us. The journey through the tarot is never-ending, and the wisdom of the Major Arcana is an ever-unfolding mystery waiting to be uncovered.
References
As with any research or informational article, it’s important to include a list of references that were consulted during the writing process. These references serve as a way for readers to verify the accuracy of the information presented in the article and to conduct further research on their own.
When compiling a list of references, it’s important to follow a consistent formatting style such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. This ensures that all the information presented about each reference is clear and easy to follow.
Some sources that may be useful in exploring the Major Arcana through the Astrological Wheel include books on tarot or astrology, online resources such as blogs or forums dedicated to these topics, and even personal consultations with a professional tarot reader or astrologer.
Here are a few examples of references that may be useful:
Books:
– “The Tarot Bible: The Definitive Guide to the Cards and Spreads” by Sarah Bartlett
– “Astrology for the Soul” by Jan Spiller
– “Understanding the Tarot Court” by Mary K. Greer
Professional consultations:
– A local tarot reader or astrologer
– Online services such as Keen or Kasamba
It’s important to remember that when using any reference, it’s imperative to check the credibility and validity of the source. Cross-checking information from multiple sources can help ensure accuracy and minimize the risk of presenting false information.
Ultimately, the references section serves as a guide for readers who wish to further their knowledge on the subject presented in the article. By providing helpful and reliable sources, readers can continue to learn and grow in their understanding of the Major Arcana and Astrology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Major Arcana?
The Major Arcana is a set of 22 tarot cards that depict archetypal characters and themes in a symbolic way.
What is the Astrological Wheel?
The Astrological Wheel is a circular chart that represents the positions of the stars and planets at a specific time and location, used in astrology to interpret personality traits, life events and relationships.
What is the link between astrology and tarot?
Astrology and tarot are both tools that can provide insights into personality, destiny and the future, and share similar archetypes and symbols that are used to interpret them.
How are the Major Arcana cards associated with astrology?
Each Major Arcana card is linked to a specific planet or zodiac sign, representing a different aspect of the human experience and psyche.
How can understanding astrological associations of the Major Arcana cards help in tarot readings?
Knowing the astrological influences behind the cards can help provide deeper insights into how the cards relate to the querent’s life and character, and shed light on potential patterns and themes.
How can I cross-check the astrological associations of the Major Arcana cards with my birth chart?
You can compare the planet or zodiac sign associated with each card with the planet and sign placements in your own birth chart to see if they align or conflict with each other, and what that might mean for your path.
What is the Fool’s Journey?
The Fool’s Journey is a metaphorical story of the discovery and enlightenment process that the Fool character goes through when encountering the Major Arcana cards in sequential order.
What are the different groups of zodiac signs associated with the Major Arcana cards?
The Major Arcana cards are grouped into 12 sections based on the zodiac signs they are associated with, with each group representing a different theme or lesson.
How can examining the Major Arcana through the Astrological Wheel enhance my understanding of both?
By considering the archetypal associations and symbolism of both tarot and astrology together, you can gain a more holistic perspective on the human experience and how it relates to the universal patterns and cycles.
What resources can I use to deepen my knowledge of the Major Arcana and Astrology?
There are many online and print resources available, such as books, blogs, YouTube videos, online courses, and workshops, that can help expand your understanding of these topics and offer practical techniques for using them.
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